The past few years have forced one thing upon all of us – spending more time at home. And, with the housing market skyrocketing as of late, you wouldn’t be alone in wondering how much your house is worth. But, how do you go about increasing the value of your home?
There are a few tips and tricks to increasing the value of your home that don’t break the bank or take a terribly long time. Whether your goal is to renovate to stay or sell it to make a profit, these tips will help you get there.
—
Add curb appeal.
Adding a little curb appeal to your home can make a world of difference to its appearance and overall marketability. According to a 2020 joint study by the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Alabama, curb appeal can account for as much as 7 percent of your home’s value. That’s huge in terms of bang for your buck.
If you already have a good basis for existing landscaping, make sure it’s well-maintained. If not, consider adding some simple landscaping features that will make a big difference.
Some of these features could include:
- Garden beds with mulching
- New paint for your front door and railings
- Trimmed trees
- Pavers along your front walkway
- Window flower boxes
- Lighting along your exterior
- An upgraded mailbox
- Powerwashing your walkways
- New mulch or pine straw in tree and flower beds
- New house numbers
Remember, the exterior of your home is what someone sees before anything else. Don’t let that first impression go to waste.
Add a screened-in porch.
If you’ve been looking for a way to expand your home’s living space, you should consider adding a screened-in porch! Porches are great ways to enjoy your home’s outdoor environment, while screens keep all the pests and harsh elements out.
Screened-in porches are more cost-effective than adding additional rooms, and they also allow you to experience the sounds and breeze of the outdoors. They are an effective and efficient way to add square footage to your house, as price per square foot is a factor that many buyers look for in comparing homes with similar styles and upgrades.
To learn more about adding a screened-in porch, click here.
Update your exterior shutters.
Whether your home currently has shutters or not, adding these can make a huge difference in your exterior appearance. Depending on the style of your home, there are many different types of shutters to choose from.
Raised Panel Shutters
Raised Panel Shutters are known for adding a touch of class and pair well with virtually any style window for a complete and cohesive look.
Board and Batten Shutters
Originally inspired by classic New England homes, this updated country style is a fresh approach to farmhouse chic. They offer cleaner lines, less clutter, and a bit more color to create a more contemporary look with timeless country charm.
Louvered Shutters
Louvered shutters bring a unique English charm to both historic and modern homes, with a slanted structure that provides visual contrast and texture.
Bahama Shutters
Also known as Bermuda Shutters, these shutters keep harsh sunlight in, while also blocking sun rays and adding a little island style.
To learn more about adding exterior shutters to your home, click here.
Increase your home’s efficiency.
Often when you hear about improving your home’s efficiency, your first thought is that it’s going to be expensive. One easy way to make your home more efficient (that can actually save you money!) is to install a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that automatically adjusts the heating and cooling temperature in your home for optimal performance. These devices can reduce your heating and cooling bill anywhere from 10 to 15 percent.
Other ways to improve your home’s efficiency include:
- Adding insulation
- Installing energy-efficient home appliances
- Replacing old windows
Make it low-maintenance for the future.
If you are planning on increasing your home value so you can eventually sell it, making it as low maintenance as possible will help. Most homebuyers look for homes that have been maintained well and been updated in many important facets. Some of these selling points could include updating your furnace, installing a new water heater, or installing a new roof. But, they could also be as simple as updating flooring, painting, and modernizing appliances.
—
Increasing your home value doesn’t have to cost you a lot of time or money. These five tips will help you increase the value of your home, regardless of whether you’re looking to sell or stay.
Leave a Reply